the essentials for a safe adventure
Avoid emergencies by having the tools you need
to turn the unexpected into an exciting part of your journey.
·
Carry a map and
compass and know how to use them.
·
Bring a pocket knife,
and put fire-starting supplies in a water-proof container.
·
Assume the weather
will change — bring sun protection, rain gear, and extra layers for sudden
cold.
·
Pack extra food and
water.
·
And don’t forget to
tuck in a whistle and a first aid kit, and bring a headlamp in case your hike
takes longer than you’d planned.
Day Hiking
Enjoy the refreshment of the wilderness (and
prepare and train for longer hikes) with planned day trips.
·
Always check the
weather to avoid afternoon rainstorms.
·
You will have better
odds of spotting wildlife by starting before dawn.
·
Avoid the crowds, by
exploring the less-well-known trails in designated wilderness or roadless
areas.
·
Make sure you pack or
have the right shoes for the right occasion. Outdoor retailers have
experienced staff who can help you find the right fit; their advice can mean
the difference between a wonderful walk in the wild and a day of pain, aches,
and blisters.
Night Hiking
·
Use a headlamp or
allow your eyes to adjust naturally.
·
Bring a pair of
goggles or glasses to help protect your eyes from the swat of an unseen branch.
·
As the air cools,
you’ll be glad for extra layers of non-cotton, quick-drying, wicking clothing.
·
Assume your footing is
unstable; walk with a more careful gait — place your foot and test the feel
before transferring your weight. It’s slower than your usual hiking
stride, but you’ll avoid a turned ankle — and you’ll hear the night sounds all
around you when you take your time.
yoyou will need boots for hiking so visit this site and look a reviews.
Hiking with Kids
Hiking with your children is a great way to
get them connected to the outdoors. Just remember to keep the goals
easy.
·
Start with short hikes
that feature a goal — the waterfall you came to see, the lake where you can
wade and play.
· Plan to take a lot of extra time. If you don’t reach your goal because the kids want to explore under every leaf, then that’s a good hike, too. With children, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
Hiking with Dogs
·
Make sure your dog is
up to date on all vaccinations and ensure those identification tags are firm on
the collar.
·
Remember that dogs
need to train and condition for longer hikes, too, so don’t forget to bring
them along on your short day trips.
·
With a special pack
and time to get used to it, your dog can carry his or her own provisions.
·
Do a thorough health
check at the end of each day, and include canine-friendly supplies in your
first aid kit.
·
Always check the trail
rules before you go; you don’t want your dog harassing wildlife. National
Park trails do not allow dogs, while other public lands simply require dogs to
be on a leash.
Leave No Trace
·
Collect all your
trash. In fact, collect everyone’s trash. Make it your goal to
leave a trail more pristine than you found it.
·
Take gallon zip-top
plastic bags for day hikes; more refuse supplies for longer journeys.
·
Stay on designated trails.
Protect our natural world by leaving only footprints, taking only pictures.
Comments
Post a Comment